On December 18, 2024, U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a Jamaican-American Democrat, joined a chorus of lawmakers urging President Biden to protect black immigrant communities during the critical lame duck session. Clarke, representing Brooklyn's 9th Congressional District, held a press conference alongside other lawmakers and advocacy groups, where they expressed deep concerns over President-elect Donald Trump's proposed immigration policies [9527abbb].
Earlier, on December 12, Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico had intensified his call for Biden to protect Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and expedite DACA renewals ahead of Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. Luján, along with Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Alex Padilla, emphasized the urgent need for action to safeguard vulnerable immigrant populations [8b51e06e].
During the press conference, Senator Cortez Masto specifically called for the extension of protections for Dreamers and TPS holders, highlighting the looming expiration of TPS for El Salvador in March 2025 and for Nicaragua in July 2025. Jose Cabrera, a TPS holder from El Salvador, voiced his fears of deportation under Trump's mass deportation plans [9c36c35a].
In a related effort, Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii and six colleagues sent a letter to President Biden urging immediate steps to protect immigrant families. They raised concerns about the potential for mass deportations threatening mixed-status families and the U.S. economy, which could affect approximately 4 million families [4ebc36ed].
Luján highlighted the economic contributions of immigrants, noting that they contributed approximately $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022. He shared the story of Arlen, a 27-year-old DACA recipient from New Mexico who graduated from the University of New Mexico and actively leads community food drives, showcasing the positive impact of immigrants on local communities [8b51e06e].
The senators expressed alarm over Trump's promises of mass deportations, which could have devastating effects on families and the economy. The letter sent by Hirono and her colleagues requested actions including extending TPS, expediting DACA benefit processing, and prioritizing asylum claims to protect immigrant families from the anticipated changes in immigration policy under a Trump administration [4ebc36ed].
As the deadline for TPS expirations approaches, the Biden administration faces a critical moment to shape the future for millions of immigrants in the U.S. [c0557a06e]. Advocates are stressing the need for a firewall between USCIS and ICE to protect DACA applicants' information, as the administration's recent decision not to extend the parole term for participants in the CHNV program has drawn criticism [c0557a44].
With the stakes high, advocates are calling for immediate action to protect TPS holders and expedite DACA applications, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to immigration policy [c0557a44]. Clarke's recent statements further underscore the urgency of these protections, particularly for black immigrants who may face heightened risks under the incoming administration [9527abbb].